How Budget Cut At Police Department Will Play Out Won't Be Known For Sometime

It's going to take a lot of work for the police department to figure out how it will make do with a million dollars less this year. 

Chris Waldshutz, who chairs the Police Commission, tells CHSJ news decisions will not be made willy-nilly.

As for the fear there will be fewer officers on the streets of the city when all the number crunching is done, Waldshutz tells CHSJ News it's his personal opinion that prospect is improbable but there won't be any cuts made until there has been careful analysis because you don't want to do anything that will harm intelligence led policing which has been responsible for substantial drops in the crime rate. 

He adds the budget cut at the police department could have been as high as 2 million dollars.

The Police Commission will be meeting tomorrow night and while the budget cut will likely be discussed, there won't be any firm plan in place dealing with it.

People In St. Stephen Asked To Conserve Water

They're having problems with water in St. Stephen and the town is asking everyone to conserve their water consumption this morning because there is a limited supply due to a breakdown that happened last night.
 
Some people may have little or no water pressure.
 
The St. Stephen Water Department says the parts needed to fix the problem will be trucked in from Saint John.

Alward Government Accused Of Backing Away From Poverty Reduction

As the Provincial Government grapples with a rising deficit and debt, will it back away from the poverty reduction plan that was put together with such fanfare in Saint John a few years ago?

Former Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock, who's considering a run at the Provincial Liberal Party leadership, tells CHSJ News it began with the delay in raising the minimum wage followed by increasing the co-payment seniors have to come up with for their prescription drugs. 

He accuses Premier David Alward of not standing up for the less affluent in the province because he listens to the most powerful voices.
 

Anti-poverty activist Pam Coates resigned from the Board overseeing the implementation of the poverty reduction plan saying not much of anything has been done.

Mayor Answers Criticism

Criticism is being heaped on Common Council over the city budget but Mayor Ivan Court points out the issues that have been dealt with during this term have been the toughest to face the city in the last 30 to 40 years including clean water and the city's pension plan. 

There will be cutbacks coming in the police department at the same time the new police headquarters is under construction at Peel Plaza which has many Saint Johnners wondering if we can afford to spend over 20 million dollars. 

Mayor Court tells CHSJ News alot of the talk about the new police station has been exaggerated and mixed up with the new provincial justice building nearby which is far more expensive at 50 million.

Court predicts alot of people in the city will be surprised by Peel Plaza when it's finished.

Bullied Teen Says School Isn't Helping

After being bullied for months via social networking sites, phone, and at school. Brendan Annis is begging the administrators at Leo Hayes High School to do more to help him. It's been so bad that his parents decided to take him out of school--but as soon as he returned, the bullying started again.

The bullying started when Annis broke up with his long term girlfriend, and has been so stressful for the 15 year old that he's been hospitalized due to self injuring behaviour. Dianne Wilkins, the superintendent of school district 18, says that they've hired an external investigator to look at the situation.

Home Invasion on the West Side

A scare for one West side resident, whose home was invaded last night.

At almost 11 o'clock, 4 masked men forced their way into a home on the West side and robbed a man in his 50s. The robbers were interested only in cash. Police weren't able to disclose how much money they made off with.

No injuries happened as a result of the robbery.

CFIB Says NB Business Optimism is Low

Here in the Atlantic Provinces, optimism about small business is at the lowest level in Canada--that from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. The Business Barometer Index for the province is at 61.7--which is up two points from December--but that's still well below the national average of 65.2

Policy analyst Richard Dunn of CFIB says it's because everyone is waiting to see what the provincial budget will bring next month. If the government fails to develop a solid plan to deal with its debt, we could see that trickle down into the business market.

Dunn says as businesses get back on their feet to where they were before the recession, CFIB expects the numbers will improve.

Councillor Wants Funding Axed To Enterprise Saint John

Councillor Bruce Court raising concerns over funding Enterprise Saint John in a time when core city services are being slashed to the bone.



Court has been outspoken in the past about the continued funding of the economic development agency.


He is baffled at how the agency can continue to receive money when the city will not be able to afford lifegurards at beaches.


Court lobbied to have all funding cut to Enterprise Saint John last year but council decided against it after consultations with the group.

The group will be receiving 332-thousand dollars this year, 100-thousand dollars less than in 2011.

Car Fire Blocks Highway

A burned out shell is all that remains of a small car after it burst into flames on Highway 2 Northbound just outside Fredericton late this morning. The highway was blocked for about an hour while firefighters snuffed out the flames. No word on injuries.

(photo by Deborah MacDonald)

Assaults and Drunk Drivers Make a Busy Night for Police

Drunk drivers and fights making it a busy Friday night for the Saint John Police force.



Police getting a call just after 2am that a fight had broken on out King Street East between four men. Two were sent to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Although no one was arrested, police say they'll be dealing with the men at a later date.


A woman was also picked up for assault on the corner of Priness Street. The injuries weren't serious.


Two drivers were also picked up on Rothesay Avenue and Welesley Avenue in the city's north end after reports that they were weaving all over the road. Both were charged with driving under the influence.

Allegedly Impaired Driver Crashes Into Police Car

Talk about running into the law -- literally.

A 20 year old Saint John man striking a police car head-on early this morning in St. Andrews after allegedly failing to obey a stop sign.

A police officer receiving minor injuries and the driver was believed to be impaired.

His license has been suspended for 90 days and he will be appearing in court at a later date to face charges.

Job Fair Aims To Help Atelka Workers

There is good news for the 142 Atelka call centre employees that got pink slips this week.


Contact NB and Enterprise Saint John are teaming to host a job fair later this month in hopes of finding the workers another job.


Mike Bacon of Contact NB tells CHSJ News they have put the call out to local employers, call centre and otherwise, to take part.



It will be those employers who want to meet with the affected Atelka employees and discuss with them some career options for the future.

A similar event last for employers at the RCI call centres in Saint John last year that saw 7 of 31 employers confirm multiple hires as a result of the event.

The Atelka job fair is coming up on February 18th with a location to be dertermined.

For more info, click here

Bail Denied In Sexual Assault Case

25 five year old Bradley Scott Wilson being denied bail -- he's been charged with aggravated sexual assault, assault causing bodily harm, and unlawful confinement in an incident at the Buccaneers Pub on the West Side. 

It's alleged on Jan 12th, Wilson sexually assaulted a 46 year old bartender as she was closing the place down.  She also suffered a broken leg while trying to escape.

Wilson has pleaded not guilty and will remain in police custody until a trial date is set on February 16th.

More Time Needed For Pension Payment

Mayor Ivan Court says the city needs more time to make it's pension payments.

Under the proposed pension reforms, the city could receive a 15 year repayment period.

But Court says that may not be enough time and the city may need 20 to 25 years to make the payments.

City Manager Pat Woods says even with the bare bones budget, pension reforms are still critical.  If not approved, the city would need to come up with an additional 6.4 million dollars in payment money.  The total deficit is now up to 190 million dollars.

Two Men Facing Drug Charges After Three Month Invesigation

A 33-year-old Canterbury Street man faces drug charges after a three month joint police investigation.

Russell William McCain was in court today and has been remanded into custody before another court appearance next week.

Members of the Street Crime Unit and Fundy Integrated Intelligence Unit making the arrest yesterday and in the process seizing one and a half pounds of cocaine and over a half pound of marijuana.

A 53 year old man also faces charges and will be in court at a later date.

M-L-A Tells Mayor Not To Blame Province

A former member of Common Council who's now an   M-L-A is accusing Mayor Ivan Court of playing the blame game.

Glen Tait of Saint John East tells CHSJ News the province is not to blame for the pension plan's growing deficit and city budget cuts stemming from that.

He points out it was the city which missed the deadline to have proposed changes to the pension plan considered during the fall session of the legislature and should take responsibility for that lapse.

Tait says the problems with the city's pension plan started back in 2001 but nothing has been done expect to put more money into it.

Don't Risk Getting Towed

The City pointing out to motorists that under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act, any vehicle parked on a street more than 24 hours is considered abandoned and can be towed.

In a release, they say City streets are for the movement of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians and not for long term parking and street maintenance can be hampered by parked cars.
 To report an abandoned vehicle in your neighbourhood, you can call the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or for more information click here

Local Ad Company Will Not Bid For Provincial Contract

A Saint John based ad agency will not be throwing it's hat in the ring as the province consolidates it's marketing down to a single company.

Revolutions Strategy has been working with New Brunswick Tourism and Park since 2009 but says the requirements and direction that the tourism department is taking does not align with the company's goals.

Revolution's current contract ends this summer and it will layoff 4 people who worked exclusively on the tourism account.

Chief Releases Statement On Budget Cuts

The Chief of Police releasing only a brief statement regarding the 1 million dollars in cuts for the police force in the new city budget.


Bill Reid says the force is committed to upholding the safety of citizens and its officers but decisive leadership will be required to reduce any impacts to public safety.

He adds the police force will adapt its current operations to meet the realities of the new budget.

The Police Commission will be meeting Tuesday and will likely have more to say about the cuts. Mayor Ivan Court and Common Councillor Peter McGuire are members of the Commission.

There are fears initiatives to reduce crime in the city will be a casualty of the budget. The Police Association has a no layoff clause in its contract agreement.

North End And West Side Most Affected By Cuts To Fire Budget

Saint John Fire Chief Kevin Clifford says the 750-thousand dollars worth of cuts in the new city budget will have a definite impact on fire protection.

Clifford tells CHSJ News the North End and the West Side could see increase in response times as one of the trucks from the north station will now be moved to the fire station on Courtney Avenue. He says the response time could go up by as much as 4 minutes.

16 positions will be lost due to the budget cuts and he says it will be difficult to handle multiple incidents at the same time.

Chase & Morgan To Visit China

Two New Brunswick country stars are taking their act on the road all the way to China next month.


Kevin Chase of the Kingston Peninsula and Melanie Morgan of Cap Pele are doing a 5 stop tour finishing in Shanghai.


Chase tells CHSJ News he's excited and nervous at the same time about the trip.

He says they leave on March 5th and play 5 major Chinese cities back to back which will be busy but, Chase says it will be exciting to play for the Chinese.

Chase wouldn't say his music is exactly popular in China but that's the point to create awareness about his brand of Canadian country in that part of the world.

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Reacts To Rising Pension Plan Deficit

The deficit with the city's pension plan could get even worse before it gets better.

That warning from Kevin Lacey, the Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, who tells CHSJ News a rise of more than 60 million dollars in a year to 190 million dollars is a real mind blower for a city the size of Saint John.

He says it should raise questions about how it got so high and why such a huge increase in just one year.

Lacey adds the city will have to take another look at eligibility and payouts. He warns depending on the province to bail the city out is an iffy proposition, at best, considering the sad financial state of its pension plan.

$750 Baby Greek Tortoise Is Still Missing

"Herman" the baby tortoise is still on the loose!
Three people facing charges after a $750 tortoise was stolen from an East Saint John pet store.

Sgt. Glen Hayward of the City police tells CHSJ News three men ages 21, 22, and 23 were charged with theft and released. One of them also faces a charge for posessing marijuana.

Pets Unlimited Manager Joe Mullet says it's the second time the baby Greek tortoise has been stolen.
He tells us a former employee took "Herman" before Christmas and last night someone broke the lock on his cage taking him a second time.

Mullet says the store's staff is upset adding everyone is pretty attached to "Herman".

Self Serve Gas Rises

It will cost you more to fill up with self serve regular after the weekly setting. 

It has increased by 2 cents a litre and is selling for $1.27.8 in the city. 

There is no change in the price of diesel. It's still at $1.37.3 a litre. 

Heating oil is virtually unchanged at $1.19.5 a litre with propane declining slightly to $1.06.8.

Police Investigate North End Fire And Stolen Tortoise

Arson is thought to be the cause of a small fire early this morning at an apartment building owned by non-profit housing at 200 Main Street North. The call came in shortly after 2:30 and City Police tell us the fire started in a hallway. 6 or 7 people who live in the building have been forced out of their apartments into other accomodation.

City Police are also looking for a stolen tortoise which is worth something like 700 dollars. It was taken from the Pets Unlimited store on the east side. 3 people were arrested nearby but later released. The tortoise, meantime, is still among the missing.

Rothesay Regional Police telling us a man suffered a broken arm when he was struck by a passing highway plow on the Gondola Point Arterial yesterday afternoon. The man was walking along the side of the highway against the flow of traffic which is what you're supposed to do when he was hit by the plow's blade.

Mayor Vehemently Against New Budget

Mayor Ivan Court and Councillor Patty Higgins the only ones voting against the Plan B budget. 

Court wanted council to stand together and believe the pension reforms were coming.

He says he cannot vote for a budget that brings down the quality of life so drastically for citizens.

He adds the passing of the plan B budget will affect the trust between city hall and the people.

Council Passes "Plan B" Budget Containing Cuts Across The Board

After much publicized grappling with the city budget, the issue has finally been put to bed.

Common Council has approved the 2012 budget as well as passing the tax rate at $1.785.

Council has approved the Plan B budget, which contains millions in cuts to fire, police, community grants, and city services.  This was done in case pension reforms are not approved by the province.

City Manager Pat Woods says while he originally supported the first budget, which assumed pension reforms, he says he can't do so now because the city would have needed to find an extra 13.2 million dollars if pension reforms were not achieved.
Woods revealed last night that over the course of the year, the pension deficit has now grown by 64 million dollars to a total of 190 million dollars.

Council Passes Budget "B" & Tax Rate

Saint John Common Council passes version "b" of the 2012 budget and the tax rate.


Mayor Ivan Court and Councillor Patti Higgins are the only nay votes.

Common Council May Pass Budget "B" Tonight

At long last, a vote is possible tonight on the 2012 municipal budget and it's tax rate.

City manager Pat Woods is recommending that council adopts the plan "b" budget which features cuts to city services, jobs, and grants.


He also says the pension deficit has now grown to 190 million according to the latest actuary numbers.

He adds the city cannot assume pension reforms are coming and needs to adopt a more conservative budget.

Tenants Displaced After North End Fire

The residents who live in two units of a North End apartment building will be sleeping somewhere else tonight after a fire.

City fire crews got the call just before 4pm about the blaze in a 2nd floor apartment at 6 Anglin Crescent.

District Chief Joe Armstrong tells CHSJ News the 12-unit building was in the process of being evacuated when crews arrived on scene.

Crews quickly knocked down the blaze and the apartment with the fire did suffer smoke, water and fire damage while the unit directly below did suffer some water damage.

Armstrong tells us the cause is being looked into but, it's not believed to be suspicious.

Province To Hike User Fees

The Finance Minister says an increase in user fees as a fair way of raising revenue.

Blaine Higgs says the hikes are expected to raise an extra six million dollars for the province.

The fee increases begin to take effect in April and include a range of services from vehicle registrations to campsite reservations.


Liberal MLA Donald Arseneault says fee increases are a form of tax increase and are contrary to a Conservative election promise not to raise taxes.


He says many of the fee increases will hurt those residents in rural parts of the province.
 
For more info, click here

We Fare OK, Dairytown Gets Slammed With Snow

Between 4 and 8 centimetres of snow for Greater Saint John but, Sussex and Moncton may get more than 20 centimetres by tomorrow.


Greater Saint John received between 4 and 8 cm's of snow.

Claude Cote of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News chances are the temperature will stay just shy of the freezing mark.

He says with temps around the minus 2 mark we are looking at freezing precipitation until it ends early this evening.

The skiers will be thrilled, Cote expects Poley Mountain will have at least 20 centimetres of snow by tomorrow morning.

February Fork Off Is Underway

February doesn't bring too many reasons to celebrate...shoveling isn't one but, eating great food could be.
Today marks the beginning of "February Fork Off" which is Uptown Saint John's Winter Restaurant Week.
Event Coordinator Tracy Hanson tells CHSJ News it's basically the February version of the Chop Chop Festival.

She says it's the first winter restaurant week and it's a chance to get a break from the winter chill and enjoy the many food choices uptown.

Some of the participating restaurants will be offering a three-course dinner for $30, a two-course lunch for $12 or a Fork plate for $10.

For more info on which restaurants are taking part, click here

New Understanding Needed In Province On Resource Development

The Atlantica Centre for Energy says governments, industry and the people who live in the province will have to reach a social contract to advance the economy.

Atlantica President John Herron maintains developing our natural resources is the answer to the province's economic problems but the controversy over shale gas development is not helping. That's why he argues rigorous regulations are required that are not onerous but ease public skepticism that the bottom line is the only thing that counts.

Herron says the three goals of this social contract would be economic progress, social development and ecological integrity.

Herron warns the provincial tax base can't support our basic health, education and social programmes without federal transfers so new sources of economic activity will have to be found and natural resoources are it.

Police Association Questions Whether Common Council Is Exceeding Its Authority

Whether anything will be accomplished at Common Council's special budget meeting this afternoon remains to be seen. Three versions of the budget are being considered.

The police department could see it's budget reduced by over 134 thousand dollars depending on which version of the budget is passed eventually. The President of the Police Union, Jamie Hachey is taking a wait and see approach although he says the goings on of late remind him more of kindergarten.

Hachey argues it should be up to the Police Commission to determine how much money is needed to provide adequate policing in the city, not Common Council.
 
He goes so far as to suggest Council might be violating provincial legislation by arbitrarily cutting the police budget regardless of what the Police Commission says.

Premier Unveils Senior Panel

The Premier announcing the establishment of a panel designed to help prepare for the challenges with our aging senior population.

David Alward says the panel's role is to guide government investments in community development and services that help seniors live active, healthy lives.

The five-member panel will be chaired by John McLaughlin of UNB.

He says an aging population offers benefits and opportunities adding the skills and knowledge of seniors can provide opportunities for young people to learn new ideas and preserving the lessons of the past.

Project support and administration will be provided by the Atlantic Institute on Aging. The panel's blueprint will be delivered to the premier by this summer.

For more info, click here

Winter Storm Cancels School

February is being ushered in with some snow coming our way. 

Gilles Duguay of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News it's because of a low pressure system that's tracking south of Nova Scotia. 

It's going to be a messy morning commute with most of the snow falling this morning into the early part of the afternoon when it goes above freezing and turns into rain. 10 to 15 centimeters of snow is in the forecast.

Duguay says there will be more snow if you're travelling east to Moncton where there's a snowfall warning in place and more rain than snow west of Saint John along the coast.

All schools are closed today in districts 6, 8, 10, 17 and Samuel de Champlain.

Call Center Industry Not Dying In The Province

The executive director of ContactNB, which represents call centre employees, says the closure of Atelka does not mean the industry is dying in the province.

Mike Bacon tells CHSJ News even though there have been recent closures or cuts at other centers in Saint John, job opportunities have been plentiful.

He says there are constantly 4 or 5 companies hiring in Southern New Brunswick and the industry has been growing for the past 3 to 4 years.
 
ContactNB will be working with the Atelka employees on finding new jobs.

Former City Councillor Says Procrastination Hurts Everyone

A former Common Councillor has a little advice for the current administration at City hall:  procrastination doesn't win you any favours.
 

Ken Gould remembers in the 80's when they ran late with the budget once but they found a way to get it done.
 
Gould tells CHSJ News he doesn't have an issue with closed session because it's the decisions that are important and not the chit chat. 
Gould says he thinks things were a little more stable in his day and this council needs to learn to compromise.

West Side Call Centre Closing Down

142 Saint Johners will be out of work on May 16th as the Atelka call centre on Manawagonish Road will be shutting down.

Spokesperson Karine Vachon tells CHSJ News notification was given to employees today.

Vachon says the closure is a way to improve the company's operational efficiency.

The contact centres in Fredericton and PEI will remain open.

NDP Leadership Candidate Thomas Mulcair Stumping In Saint John

Federal New Democratic Party leadership candidate Thomas Mulcair making a stop in the city today to drum up support for his bid to lead the N-D-P.

Mulcair tells CHSJ News the federal government needs to work more closely with municipalities as cities have major responsibilities, such as transit, affordable housing, and drinking water.

He says on a federal level, the NDP needs to hold onto its Quebec seats while growing in Atlantic Canada, which is beyond its traditional base.

Alward Government Criticised By Former Cabinet Minister Who's Also Conservative

A former Conservative provincial cabinet minister is speaking out against shale gas development and fracking.
 
Tony Huntjens likens Premier David Alward's stance on this issue to the attempted sale of NB Power by then Premier Shawn Graham which is considered a big reason why the Liberals were defeated in the last provincial election.
 
Huntjens tells CHSJ News the Alward Government isn't giving people a voice on this issue that will have long term ramifications and, in his view, will endanger groundwater because of all the chemicals that won't come back to the surface after fracturing.
 
He also says it's wrong to brand the opposition to shale gas development as extremists.

Huntjens also points out when the Premier was in opposition he said in the Legislature there were dangerous elements with fracking.

Last week, another former provincial conservative cabinet minister, Bud Bird was critical of the Alward Government for arbitrarily changing natural gas regulations that govern Enbridge Gas.

Historic Donations In Millidgeville

Two longtime donors celebrating a huge accomplishment at Canadian Blood Services.

Don Shaw and Ken Gould are the first donors in the province to donate plasma 700 times. 
 
Shaw, who gave blood for the first time in 1965, tells CHSJ News he has a family connection to blood and plasma donation.

He tells us his daughter needed a complete blood transfusion when she was 2 years old as a RH negative child and he figures if someone could help his daughter 45 years ago then maybe his donations can save someone today.

Shaw says he never thought he'd make 700 donations because he never thought he'd make it to the age of 75.

Special Open Meeting Of Common Council Scheduled

A special meeting of Common Council will be held tomorrow afternoon to again talk about the city budget.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase tells CHSJ News it's time to break the deadlock and he's optimistic consensus can be reached.

Chase says he and three other Council members took the rare step of petitioning the Common Clerk to schedule the public meeting.

He admits there is still division on Council between those who are confident the changes to the city's pension plan will be approved and those, like himself, who want to see this year's budget reflect 9 million dollars in savings that would have to be found if the province rejects the pension reforms.

Chase says it's imperative to get the budget done because the tax bills have to go out and the city can't operate if it has no money.

Connors Brothers Donate Island To Nature Trust

The Nature Trust of New Brunswick has a new island to protect in the Bay of Fundy.
Connors Brothers donated Southern Wolf Island which is located about an hour between Blacks Harbour and Grand Manan.

Renata Woodward tells CHSJ News the Nature Trust has been active in Charlotte Country through the Campaign for Coastal Lands.

She says Connors Brothers is doing reconstruction on their company and they wanted to make sure some of the lands they are divesting are protected.

Woodward says Southern Wolf Island has at-risk species and a high ecological value so, it will not be promoted for tourism but likely used for research.

Arrests Made As Drivers Try To Elude Police

A 22-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth appeared in Sussex Provincial Court to face charges of attempting to avoid police during traffic stops.

The RCMP stopped a vehicle on Church Street in Sussex. While the officer was attempting to arrest the driver, the vehicle sped away.

22-year-old Jeremy Harding of Apohaqui was later arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while being pursued by police, dangerous driving, resisting a police officer and public mischief.

A bit later also on Church Street, another driver refused to stop for police going through a parking lot before colliding with another police car.

A 17-year-old youth from Smith's Creek. was arrested and is charged with operating a motor vehicle while being pursued by police and dangerous driving.

Council Fails To Pass Budget And Tax Rate

The stalemate over the city budget continues -- Common Council ultimately voting down the discussion of various budget scenarios in open session.

But council also not approving the tax rate, which could cost the city 60 to 70 thousand dollars because the province would have to send separate property tax bills due to the delay.

Councillor Chris Titus says council should approve the tax rate ahead of the budget because the budget will be 144 million dollars no matter which version gets passed.

But Councillors Higgins, Snook, Farren, and Norton felt that approving a tax rate before finalizing the budget was not the proper way to do things.

New Municipal Plan Officially Adopted

At least one thing is certain after last night's chaotic council meeting -- Plan SJ has become a reality after two years.

Planning Commissioner Ken Forrest tells CHSJ News putting the new municipal plan into action will be an ongoing process, in which Saint Johners will play a big role.

He says it will be a living document and residents will expect the city to implement the plan and monitor it over time.

PlanSJ means major changes for land use, infrastructure, and smarter development in the city--and Forrest says that whatever budget is passed, it has to reflect those priorities.

Social Media Awards Looking For Nominations

The Oscars are not the only awards up for grabs in February -- nominations are now being accepted for the 2nd annual Salty Awards, which celebrates Saint John's social media community.

Categories include Twitter Person of the Year, Best Facebook Page, Coolest Blog, Hottest YouTube, and Best Use of Social Media in a Campaign.

Nominations close on February 6th with the awards being handed out on February 16th.

For more information, click here.

Freedom Tours Calms Fears About Mexican Travel

If you're scared to go to Mexico after hearing about the beating of a Canadian tourist in a resort there, perhaps you shouldn't be.

That according to Freedom Tours owner Ellen Tucker. She tells CHSJ news Mexico isn't as dangerous as you might think--and that as far as international ranking are concerned, it's actually pretty high on the list of safer places to to travel.

The 37 year old woman, Sheila Nabb, was vacationing at a 5-star hotel in Mazatlan. A 28-year-old named Jose Ramon Acosta Quintero has been charged with attempted murder in the case.

Profits Are Up But Booze Sales Still Slide In N.B.

NB Liquor's third quarter profits are up yet fewer people were buying booze over the holidays.

The crown corporation releasing figures show they made more than 44 million dollars from October 3rd to January 1st but sales from spirits, wine and beer are down.

NB Liquor President Daniel Allain says the holiday season traffic was lower than expected and picked up a week before Christmas.

He adds economic uncertainty continued to account for weak volumes in the quarter which were responsible for an overall decline in sales.

Sales for spirits were down 3.2 per cent and wine declined 1.8 per cent while beer sales were down 9.8 per cent.

For more info, click here